Advertising practitioners have been charged to adhere strictly to the code of conduct and ethics of the profession, in order to project the country in positive light.

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun gave the charge while declaring open the 45th Annual General Meeting/Congress of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), in Abeokuta.

Speaking on the theme, ‘’Growing the Economic Pot: The Role of Advertising’’, Governor Amosun, represented by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Otunba Dayo Adeneye, said advertising agencies have played significant role in deepening the nation’s democracy, as well as helped in revenue generation for both the private and public sectors, hence, the need to further engender and comply with best practices and principles of the profession.

On the 2019 general elections, the Governor advised advertising agencies to be mindful of the content they put out on behalf of the political gladiators, by ensuring that the products are fit for public consumption, devoid of divisive and inciting contents.

According to him, ‘’let me use this opportunity to thank AAAN for the support given to our administration and solicit for its continued support, in promoting and showcasing our Mission to Rebuild Ogun State, as encapsulated in our five-cardinal programmes.

‘’Let me also assure you all, that, as we coast home to the expiration of our tenure on May 29, 2019, our administration will not take its foot off the pedal. In fact, the period will witness increased development in all sectors of the economy of our dear State and improving on the lives of our people. Our eyes are firmly set on finishing strong, finishing high and finishing well’’, he said.

In his remark, President of AAAN, Mr. Steve Oluwasona, said the congress would help the Association appraise the journey so far and chart a new course for the benefit of the profession and the nation in general.

The Acting Registrar of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Mrs. Ijedi Iyioha, implored advertising agencies to continue upholding the tenet and rules of the association, appealing to AAAN to assist politicians disseminate the truth, especially now that hate speeches and fake news are rampant.